Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Verdant volcanic wonders await on this exploration of Portugal, from the Sete Cidades crater lakes and Furnas Valley hot springs to the ancient Algar do Carvão lava tube. In the Azores, sperm whales and dolphins frequent the waters and the landscapes are adorned in vibrant blue hydrangeas – we’ve timed your visit specially so you can capture the archipelago’s national flower in bloom. You can also immerse yourself in Portuguese traditions such as thermal bathing and savouring culinary delights like sardines and Pastéis de Nata, accompanied by the soulful notes of fado music. Enrich your experience further by learning about flower cultivation on the ‘Garden Island’ and pineapple growing in the Azores.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Verdant Azorean Vistas
The North Atlantic archipelago of the Azores offers diverse range of volcanic peaks, craters and lakes. The unique twin lakes of Sete Cidades, one a bright emerald green and the other sapphire blue tell tales of folklore, while the lava tube at Algar do Carvão lava tube offers the chance to explore caves and magma chambers formed by the cooling and solidifcation of lava flows. Furnas Valley on São Miguel Island is known for its lush landscapes and geothermal activity, including hot springs and bubbling mud pots; while the Caldera de Guilherme Moniz crater, with lava fields, caves and rocky outcrops is begging to be explored.
Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights
Embrace the Portuguese way of life
On this Borealis cruise, you'll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life by experiencing activities and sampling local cuisines. In Lisbon, enjoy a journey aboard one of the city's iconic trams, travelling through narrow streets lined with brightly coloured houses, and indulge in the deliciously flaky pastry pastéis de nata or sardines served simply with bread; or enjoy a performance of hauntingly beautiful Fado music telling stories of heartbreak and loss. In Madeira, take time to discover how the renowned wine is made and enjoy a taste, or relax in the geothermal baths of Furnas Valley.
Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights
Horticulture and Agriculture
This cruise has been designed for you to see the beautiful hydrangeas of the Azores when they are in full bloom, and as their scent fills the air. Enjoy strolling through the exotic flowers and plants of the Botanical Gardens in Madeira, and discover how pineapples are cultivated on São Miguel Island. When in Ponta Delgada, you will have the opportunity to discover one of Europe's few tea plantations, Gorrenea Tea Plantation, and witness how the tea is processed. The region is also well known for its dairy farming as it has an abundance of lush green pastures and meadows enabling the farmers to produce milk and other dairy products.
Your Hand-crafted Signature Experience | Itinerary Insights
Life On Board
Introducing Borealis
Sister ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Borealis
Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.
Your Guest Speakers
We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.
David Winpenny
Garden and landscape ethusiast David has extensive experience in leading garden tours and will be joining us to talk about the gardens of this cruise.
Go Stargazing
Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. Join Dr Maggie Lieu on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Professor Jon Gluyas
Geologist and Fellow of the Geological Society, Jon Gluyas, will be joining us on board to deliver a series of insightful talks about the geological highlights you will find on this cruise.
Treats & Pastimes
In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 11:00 20/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
* Prices correct as of 11:00 20/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
Cabin Grades
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,999 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Borealis' F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on Marina, Coral & Promenade deck, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,298.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,078.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,598.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,323.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 |
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What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
Treats & Pastimes
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
Relaxation & Fitness
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Enhance your cruise
Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQs
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will be advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.